Anyone convert a camper into welding trailer?

admin

I was wondering what you all think about converting an older sleeper camper trailer into a mobile welding shop.  I haven't seen this on here before.  Has anyone done it?Here's my thinking:  Gut the kitchen and sleeping areas and cut a ramp into the back (reinforcing the frame as needed) and make it a small welding shop.  Keep the front table for reviewing jobs, breaks, meeting with customer and bunk overhead in case it's a late night job and maybe the toilet/waste tank for obvious reasons.  Keep the potable water tanks and have a small sink somewhere.Keep the outside awning for protection from the elements and add a fold out welding table under the awning.  Then stock it like you would your truck or open trailer.Thoughts?  Pros/Cons etc.Thanks,  Bill
Reply:Depending on the size, the frame might be too light to put anything big in. Depending on how much your gear weighs, you may have to relocate axle to keep enough weight on the tongue. Keeping Oxygen and Acetylene tanks on the nose where the propane tank most likely is might help the balance. A type of camper that may work with minimal work is a "toy hauler".. Most of the smaller ones are light on the creature comforts relatively, but have a good sized workshop and are set up to have heavy stuff in the back. I lived in a camper full time for 3 and a half years after I got divorced, I have some experience with dealing with RV stuff if you have other issues that come up that you want answered.
Reply:RV's catch fire very easily and burn very quickly. Do a google search on "Rv's on fire" and you'll see what I mean. The floor is made of wood, the wall framing is usually wood and metal and the exterior can be fiberglass or very thin sheet metal. http://rvbasics.com/techtips/rv-fire.htmlSure, I can fix it... I got a welder!!!
Reply:I think it's a real bad idea. The construction on most campers is so crappy they are lucky to survive a few kids and a dog, let alone a weld shop.
Reply:Probably pricey but I've seen enclosed car haulers with work benches up front and basic living accommodations - basically heavy duty toy haulers."These instructions are at our present level ofknowledge. Legal requirements do not exist.Technical issues subject to change."_________________________________________Lincoln MIG PAK 180Lincoln AC-225
Reply:Personally, if you have the camper available for use, I would find out how much the axle could with stand. Then see if the frame is worth keeping or scrapping and building a new trailer on the older axle. I would look for a frame that is close to 3/16 or 1/4 channel for strength and would probably have to beef it up depending on the weight load it will carry. The deck can be wood if its not covered in. I have seen many welding trailers with 2x4 decks. Also total up an approximate weight to see if the axle can handle it. If the axle can handle the load, will it need trailer brakes?I dont think I would use the enclosure for welding in.Last edited by oxygen454; 01-29-2011 at 08:25 PM.